Exploring Tolkien
![Cover art of Exploring Tolkien Exploring Tolkien](https://assets.blubrry.com/coverart/300/1466007-1705544363.jpg)
Tolkien Still Matters : with Nick Groom, author of Tolkien in the 21st Century
This week Michael and I talked with Professor Nick Groom, author of Tolkien in the 21st Century: The Meaning of Middle-earth Today, releasing Sept. 5, 2023 (apologies for some some of the echo in the audio!).
Professor Groom’s book is a detailed, in-depth, but very readable look into MIddle-earth, and how he perceives Tolkien as more relevant than ever before–particularly in a post-COVID culture.
This was a refreshing discussion that dove deep into things including:
- Professor Groom’s thoughts on the ambiguity of evil in Middle-earth
- How Tolkien’s themes are vital in a post-lockdown era
- Why he believes The Rings of Power is a great story in the tradition of Middle-earth adaptations–but definitely isn’t Tolkien’s story.
Then, join us in our extended episode (https://theonering.com/members) where we:
- Does The Rings of Power deserve the amount of criticism we give it?
- Who is his favorite character in all of Middle-earth?
- What should be done to encourage young artists to write great new stories again?